Technology Guidelines for Christian Business Owners

Christian business owners and employers have a unique opportunity and responsibility to model godly behavior to their employees and customers through appropriate technology use. It is encouraged for employers to consider protecting their employees as diligently as they would protect their own families. Staying informed of potential risks and taking proactive steps to minimize these risks can help provide a safe and productive technology environment for themselves and their employees.

Scriptural principles to consider:

Seek to keep all of our activities consistent with the mind of Christ.

Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

Ensure our use of technology represents Christ well.

Philippians 1:27 “Let your conversation [whole lifestyle] be as it becometh [in a manner worthy of] the gospel of Christ.”

Questions to consider when considering technology in the workplace:

• Does it appropriately use resources?
• What is its potential for misuse?
• What are necessary safeguards which should be in place?
• How do I guard my employees against the dangers of this technology?

Steps to consider for increased safety:

• Ensure all devices with internet access have programmable content filters. Unfiltered or unmonitored internet access for employees may allow poor stewardship of time and lead to lost productivity, introduce security threats into a computer network, expose the business to legal liability, and allow use of business computers for inappropriate activities.
• SymantecWeb Security, SafeEyes, EtherShield Business from Internet Safety.com, and iPrism Web Security by EdgeWave are examples of internet security suites that allow employers to filter, set usage allowances, and monitor internet usage on computer networks.
• Depending on the complexity of the computer network, a computer consultant may be needed to help find the best way to provide internet filtering/monitoring for the business.
• Create and maintain a business email/internet use policy.

Please click here for an example of such a policy.

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